Happy New Year!

Year In Review 2016

As the new year is quickly approaching and I am saying my last goodbye's to everything twenty-sixteen, I wanted to take the time to do three important things.

1) Reflect - I sat outside at a cafe, bundled up in a blanket, and wrote a letter to myself about this past year. I filled it with the lessons I've learned, changes I've made, and memories of my time well spent. I sealed the letter and stored it away. Years from now when I come across it, I'll happily indulge in all that 2016 was for me. 

2) Acknowledge & Give Thanks - I like to believe that I am independent and that I can do things for myself. However, I quickly learned upon moving to Japan how dependent I am on the people in my life. Family, friends, co-workers, strangers passing by; they all contribute to the experiences and life that I have. I would be remiss to think that I could live and thrive without them. Thanks y'all!

3) Plan Ahead - I love lists. I like to make them, read them, and cross things off of them. Lists make me happy. So every year I take great pleasure in making my New Year's Resolutions and Continuances list.  I'll be sharing my list in the next post.

So here is my past year at a glance . . .

. . . click here to see what 2016 looked like around the world.

"Everything eventually comes to an end. But when one door closes, another one opens." This cliche has proven to be true time after time again. Sitting here at my apartment in southern Japan, I am reminded of just how quickly time goes by. It seems like just yesterday I was graduating college, moving home, and looking for my first 'real-world' job. But that was over a year and a half ago. Since then, I've taken an interest in non-profit organizations; challenged myself physically by completing my 2nd half marathon; and have taken a huge risk by moving to Japan to work as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT). 

As I reflect on 2016 I am proud of what I've accomplished, but extremely humbled because I know that I did not do any of this alone. Even though sometimes I become reclusive and withdraw from social situations because I enjoy having time to myself, it doesn't mean that I am naive to the fact that the people around me have contributed to the opportunities and successes that have come my way. 

So thank you, everyone! Thank you for the continued support, encouragement, and tough love when I needed it the most. Without your help and guidance, it would've taken me a whole lot longer to get to where I am today. 

I am moving forward into 2017 with a clear purpose and vision. Of course, I will continue to be flexible and open-minded to all that comes my way. But if 2016 was a year of change, I am planning for 2017 to be a year of growth. 

Thanks for following along as I...

Journey through Japan.

Best wishes for the new year,

M

Winter Vacation: The Gyoza Diner

It was an enjoyable night of gyoza, beer, wine & veggies. We met at Kurosaki Staion and headed to what I'm calling the "Gyoza Diner". We wanted to make sure we beat the crowd. This hole in the wall is famous for its gyzo, which is served in a nabe style pot like the one above. Only about 15 people could be served at a time. That's all the u-shaped counter would hold. There were sets of benches behind the counter where people sat waiting for the next available seat. Because of the set up, I quickly understood that people were here solely for the food. Sure, there were some conversations, but what I mostly heard was the crackling of the oil on the stove and the sizzle of gyoza being cooked. I liked the vibe and let myself indulge in the food. 

After we admitted to ourselves that we couldn't finish the 4 pots we ordered, we took our to-go bags and headed to another restaurant for a drink and good conversation. I ordered a glass of wine, and the others had beer. We all split the Farmer's Platter, an assortment of grilled veggies with a dipping cream sauce. It was all delicious. The second restaurant felt like a bistro in a tree house. It was cozy and quaint and somewhere I will revisit. 

We sat there together just talking. I think times like this are so enjoyable. I like having conversations, sharing opinions, ideas, and interesting observations. It's fun to hear other people's perspectives. 

Tonight, I was reminded of how much pleasure I find in meals that last for hours. I like to be able to pick at my food, sip on my drink, change conversation topics, and repeat.

So to anyone who ever wants to share a meal with me, let's. Let's make it last for a while. We'll order our first drinks & an appetizer; start a conversation & change the topic a few times; choose our meals & second drinks; pick up where we left off; and end the meal with dessert, and by that I mean coffee & cake.

25th

Christmas has been in the air all season long. I've loved every minute of it. It took me forever to fall asleep on Christmas Eve because I was filled with promise of Christmas. Even though this year has proved to be 'non-traditional', I've enjoyed all that has come my way. I've still felt the holiday spirit and have found ways to give myself little pieces of home.

So this morning, I woke up bright and early because I had scheduled a FaceTime with my family. It was Christmas Eve for them, and Christmas morning for me. The time difference sure is a struggle, but we've got a good system going.

I also put together a breakfast spread that I'm obsessed with. If you don't know, I love to travel. Airports and plane rides are two of my most favorite things. For a Christmas gift to myself I put together the kind of breakfast I get when I fly internationally ...

{ fresh fruit, mixed nuts, almond cheese, granola & yogurt, water & a mimosa } 

While I was getting ready to head into Fukuoka, I had the Polar Express streaming on Netflix. I had started it the night before, but hadn't been able to finish it. It's a Christmas tradition. I watch it every year. So here's how I had planned to spend my day:

Hakata & Tenjin Christmas Market's

Window Shopping through AMU Plaza & PARCO

Browsing through UNIQLO

Illumination Viewing

Hot Wine

As to be expected, my plans changed when I arrived in Fukuoka City. They definitely changed for the better. I did cross off everything from my list above, but I also happened upon stores, scenes, and people I was not expecting.

The hour train ride into Hakata Station was enjoyable. I had a seat from the beginning and was able to enjoy the Spotify Playlist: Christmas Peaceful Piano. Once I got to Hakata I made my way outside to walk through the Christmas market. The lights were just being turned on when I got there, and there was live music on the stage. There was a mix of English and Japanese Christmas music being sung.

I took some time to explore the AMU Plaza, and I'm glad I did. It's like I found a whole other world. I walked down hallways of restaurants, cafes, and even found a Starbucks Reserve. I had never been through the underground pathways before. It's a really neat system. When I surfaced to street level it was dark and the Christmas lights were in full force. I made my way through the levels of AMU Plaza to the top where UNIQLO is located. I didn't buy anything all day --- just window shopped.

After AMU Plaza, I took the Kuko Subway line to Tenjin Station. Without even exiting the station I was able to walk into PARCO. It's another huge department store that is multi level, and even more magnificent than AMU Plaza. There's a little cafe that serves coffee, matcha, and redbean drinks. It's so JAPAN! The whole place was buzzing with Christmas. Before browsing through the stores, I walked outside to see the light display. I started walking and before I knew it I was in the middle of SOLARIA Ward. I think I died and I went to heaven. I literally stood at a crosswalk and did a full turn. My eyes were met with Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Celine, Starbucks, Urban Research, Cartier, ... and the list goes on.

Walking down side streets I came across ZARA, H&M, Forever 21, and a free standing Adidas store! It was perfect and I cannot wait to go back and pick out a full Adidas outfit. When I walked I said, "Konbanwa!" to the sales associates, and did a double take when I saw two foreigners in the corner. They caught me by surprise and I said, "Oh! Hello!". They laughed at me and said, "Hello!" back. I do this every time I see someone who looks like they possible speak English. I just say 'Hi!' without even being able to stop myself. I just get so happy.

After much restraint, I left the Adidas store empty handed and headed to the Tenjin Christmas Market. It was packed! I got a cup of hot wine (my new favorite holiday drink) and found a standing table. I was enjoying the scene and the music when someone came up to me. They were learning English and I was happy to speak with them. Eventually though, they asked me to marry them. It was sweet, but I finished my wine and left in peace.

I made my way back to PARCO and tackled every floor. I was on sensory overload. Afterwards, I took the subway back to Hakata and did some more exploring.

The rooftop of Hakata Station is open to the public. It has bistro tables, a traditional Japanese garden, and vantage points for viewing the whole city. I ordered a Starbucks latte from one of the many stores I saw that night (7 in total) and enjoyed it from the roof. That was definitely one of my favorite parts of the night.

Christmas really is my most favorite time of the year. I love everything about it and I believe in the magic. So when my night was coming to an end I started to get a little sad. I didn't like to think that Christmas would soon be over and another year would be starting. So I put my phone in my bag and stopped taking pictures. I figured I needed to focus and let myself be truly present in the moment. As I was walking back towards the train station, I stopped myself. I turned and headed back into the Hakata Christmas Market for one more cup of hot wine. I'm telling you, I just couldn't let Christmas be over.

Still, with my phone tucked away, I found a barrel table and enjoyed myself. This was by far the best part of my night. I let myself be surrounded by the energy that comes from large crowds. It felt Gatsby-esque, a little unreal. 

As I was finishing my drink, 2 men came up to my table. I used my Japanese to let them know that it was "Ok." to share the space. One of them smiled while the other laughed and started speaking English. I was so happy. We talked for a little bit and then I left for my train. It was a nice encounter.

I was searching for a trash can (they're seriously hard to find in Japan) when I came across the Dean and Deluca grocery store. I stopped dead in my tracks and ran inside. This was my first time to visit one and I instantly understood what all the fuss is about. I picked out a few pastries, even though I wanted the whole store.

The train ride back to my apartment was crowded at first, but eventually I was able to find a seat. I used my scarf as a blanket, popped in my earbuds, and got comfortable. It was a cozy ride back.

I didn't get back to my apartment until just after midnight. Obviously, I couldn't go to sleep right away. I was too excited from the day's events. So I made myself a midnight snack and probably ate too many of the pastries. 

 

As non-traditional as this day was, I wouldn't change anything about it. It's a Christmas I'll always remember and one that I am extremely proud of. And I'm happy to say, "I can still hear the bells ring."

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight. 

Xoxo,

M

24th

Once I completed my to-do list and workout, I got my self cleaned up and headed out to Kokura. I went the with intention to walk through the illumination and have a drink at Starbucks. I planned it to be a simple night. What ended up happening was even better than I could have planned. It was magical.

First of all, I felt so chic. I wore my black booties, high-waisted black jeans, a black turtle neck, and a faux suede bomber jacket. I also curled my hair and did my makeup. It's really enjoyable to be able to take my time getting ready. I don't have to rush anywhere because I'm on winter break.

My walk to the train station was quiet. I thought there would be more people out and about, but I was wrong. However, when I got to my platform and was heading to the que, I ran into some of my students. I was so shocked. I walked past their bench and heard a faint, "Mickey?"  I immediately turned around and still didn't recognize them. Without their school uniforms on they look like young adults. I tried to complement their clothes, but I'm not sure if they understood. Regardless, I had the best time talking with them. It was refreshing and just what I needed on this night.

Instead of getting off at the station closer to the River Walk, I made an in the moment decision to get off at Kokura Station. I'm glad I did because I ended up treating myself to a few Christmas gifts. I walked into Colet, a huge department store, and made my way through all of the boutiques. I literally felt like I was walking on cloud nine. I was just gliding through the stores. I came across a coat and was done for. The sales associate helped me try it on and I was in love. I was even able to tell her in Japanese that I was going to buy it, but I wanted to keep looking around the store first. She was so nice and helpful. She spoke a little English and I was very appreciative.

I did a little more browsing after buying the coat. There was so much to see. On my way out of Colet, I caught Z A R A out of the corner of my eye. I'm pretty sure I said, "Oh My!", out loud and little too loudly. I caught some people staring.

In ZARA I found the boots I've been wanting and seeing on all of the blogs I follow. It was fate ... it had to be. I left ZARA with a pair of suede over the knee boots, and a pair of black knee length leather boots with a full gold zipper in the back. I also snagged a dark green blanket scarf. Oh, I was so happy!

There is so much more I wanted to buy, but I need to pace myself. I have to buy practically because I don't want a closet full of trendy clothes that I can't wear to school or work meetings. A closet full of "weekend/off the clock wear" just isn't going to work right now.

I found a locker in Kokura Station and stored my shopping bags. I then headed for the River Walk. Originally, I had planned to just walk through the illumination display and then sit at Starbucks. But, I ended up walking through the illumination display multiple times and then choosing Tully's coffee as my place to sit and enjoy the scene. Tully's was a perfect choice.

So here's my favorite part of the night ...

I walked into Tully's and grabbed a menu. I always pre-plan exactly what I'm going to order because I want to try my best to use Japanese at the register. I must've been staring at the menu a little too hard, or I looked completely out of place, because a barista popped up in front of me and asked, "Is there something I can help you with?". I quickly glanced up and he motioned over to the far register. I ordered a tall chocolate & matcha mocha. I didn't even know this existed until tonight. It's now my favorite drink. --- sorry Starbucks.

Tully's is located on the river front, so I took my cup outside to enjoy the view. I was settling in when the same barista came outside. He asked me, "Would you like a blanket? It's cold out here." I was surprised, because I've never been anywhere where they offered something like this before. I said, "Yes! That would be great!". When he came back it wasn't just a blanket, it was a blanket that had been heated up because it was warm to the touch. I had the most enjoyable time reading my magazine, journaling, and updating my calendar for 2017 because I was warm and cozy. I'm never going to forget the hospitality that I experienced at this Tully's. It definitely made an impression on me. [Thanks Yuta.]

Magic was in the air.

Merry Christmas!

Spotify playlist on repeat: Country Christmas

Spending the Christmas holiday on my own is unlike anything I thought it would be.

It's surprising peaceful. 

I've realized, very quickly, how much I've taken for granted in the past. I never thought about not being with my family for the holiday's because it's never been an option. This year though, I'm living in Japan and am thousands of miles away. I have a new reality and it doesn't include being home for holiday's. So as peaceful as it's been 

--- walking through illumination displays, window shopping, drinking coffee at cafes --- 

I miss the chaos. 

I miss dishes in the sink because there's still cooking and baking taking place. I miss holiday music playing through the whole house, just a little too loudly. I miss having a pot of coffee brewing all day. I miss lounging in my Christmas pajamas and sitting on the couch. I miss the Christmas "buzz" that happens when family is together. 

As much as I miss my family and being with them, I'm still so thankful to be here in Japan. I'm glad to have this time to realize and adjust my perspective of what's important to me. I'll be home for Christmas next year because I don't want to miss it again. Once is enough.

Winter Vacation Is Coming!

Here's what happened in the week leading up to Winter Vacation:

The school week fly by. I helped the students make "Thank You" cards, write Letter's to Santa, create a Christmas Wish List, and write about what they will miss about being junior high school students. It was a lot of fun and their personalities really showed this week. 

So I couldn't resist sharing this ... 

While students were writing their Thank You cards to the Malaysian students who visited, I came across one card that read, 

"Thank you! You are cute. You're a real sweetheart. It was fun to speak English with you." 

It was precious and I praised them for their word choice.

Before I knew it, it was Friday. I was packing up my desk and heading to my company's training. The second semester was officially over.

River Walk, Kokura City

After training I stayed in Kokura and did a little shopping at the River Walk. I had been searching for the right pair of heeled leather booties. I'd been wanting a little height with my outfits. I spent about an hour in a shoe store walking the aisles up and down. I couldn't decide. There were so many options. Of course, when I finally made my decision, I chose the most expensive pair from my option list. But I'm not sorry about it. They're beautiful and just what I wanted. 

I also stumbled into GAP and couldn't believe what I saw. 

50% off store wide regularly priced merchandise! 

I bought an activewear sweatshirt that I don't plan on getting out of. It's comfortable, double-lined, has pockets, and makes me feel like a turtle because the neckline is so high. It's so warm and makes me so happy!

The best part of my GAP trip was buying jeans. I normally do not like jeans. In the past they've been difficult for me to wear. However, I recently purchased a black pair from UNIQLO that I love. They're flattering, form fitting, and high-waisted. I like them so much I've been meaning to go back and buy another pair.

So when I was in GAP I figured I'd give their jeans a try. I've always heard good things them and decided it was time for me to give them a shot. I loaded up my shopping bag with 5 pairs and headed to the dressing room. 

A trip to the dressing is worthy of it's own blog post. It is always an experience. 

The jeans all fit and I liked the washes, but hey were just too short. They all hit just at the ankle. So in my broken Japanese, I handed the jeans back to the sales lady and explained that they were "mizikai" (too short).

She understood and I gestured that I wanted long pants to wear with heels.

She told me to wait and that she would be back.

She came back with 3 new pairs for me to try and I headed back into the dressing room.

I ended up getting one pair of jeans --- skinny fit, medium wash, regular length.

After shopping I walked through the illumination display outside the River Walk. It's nice to feel Christmas in the air.

River Walk Christmas Tree, Kokura City

River Walk Illumination, Kokura City 

River Walk Illumination, Kokura City

Twenty-Four

Another year has come and gone. I finally feel my age. Don't worry --- it's a good thing. I've always had that feeling of not being old enough. In many situations I feel like a little kid and out of place. This year, that feeling is gone. I've gained confidence in myself and it's showing. I'm giving my move to Japan credit for this. 

I'm a different person than I was a year ago. A better, stronger person. There's a lot I want to accomplish this year, personally and professionally. I've taken the time to write out my 5 year plan and future speculations. I've also invested in what I think is my best purchase yet, a 5 year leather planner. It's beautiful and pure motivation. 

Spending my birthday in Japan is different. Since I'm not home with my family and am not going out to dinner with them, we scheduled a time to FaceTime together. Even though I'm sad and I know that it's hard on them, I keep reminding myself that I had to leave the house eventually.

This is how I'm celebrating this year:

- a grapefuit mimosa & eggs for breakfast

- opening my Birthday card from my family & FaceTiming with them

- a trip to Starbucks and window shopping 

- a traditional Japanese lunch with my Japanese teacher

- decorating my own "Happy Birthday" angel food cake

I have a feeling that this year is going to be something special. 

Happy Birthday to me!

- - - 

In my last post I was trying to determine my reason for this blog. It's been two weeks and I finally realized what it is. This blog is my outlet. As much as my family and friends are there for me, I can't always tell them everything. Sometimes I forget, or we run out of time, or life gets busy and conversations are hard to make. This blog is always there. It's my way to share and remember the things I'm experiencing. So, I'll keep posting and keep using this as my public diary. Because like I've said before, "I blog because I want to recount my experiences when my mind no longer can."

So here's what you missed. 

In the last two weeks I've ...

- worked at my junior high schools & had two successful international exchange events.

- attended a foreign friendly "English Christmas Party".

- attended a company career development event.

- became a BigBang fan after attending their concert in Fukuoka.

- not made it to the gym as often as I would have liked to.

- felt the Christmas spirit in the air. Hakata Station Christmas Market is beautiful!

- had the most wild "deja vu" experience. 

- spent the week with foreign exchange students from Malaysia and didn't want them to leave.

-  organized my files and work material.

- attended a work Christmas party and learned about the concept of  忘年会 (bonekai), "forget the year gathering."

- challenged myself to show my work.

- received an unexpected opportunity.

It's been a great two weeks. A lot has happened, and I'm sad I didn't write it down. I learned my lesson, this blog is for me and I don't want to stop it. To anyone who is reading this, thank you, I'm happy that you're here. 

Until next time,

M

Happy 6 Months!

I'm not even sure how to start this blog post. I'm in a little of a funk. It's the weather. I know it is. I have never been so unbelievably cold in my life. I'm from Texas, and even though it does get 'cold', it doesn't compare to what I'm experiencing here. And to think, I'm only in southern Japan. I don't know how I would survive up north. I've started buying Uniqlo's HEATTECH clothing pieces, and swear by them. They've certainly helped. But what I've come to notice is that there is no place where I ever feel warm. Even when I'm inside the school building, inside my apartment, or on the bus, I'm cold. The other day when I was asking my students, "How do you feel? Are you hot, cold, or O.K.?" Most of them replied,  "I'm cold". I was only able to tell them that I was "O.K." because I was wearing 4 layers --- a HEATTECH base layer, a long sleeve turtle neck, a full sweater, and a puffy jacket. I had to have looked like a penguin. But for once, I was "O.K.".  

So about this funk ... I'm still loving my time here in Japan --- don't worry about that. I'm just finding it difficult to blog. My focus has shifted from 'adventuring' to 'carrying out my daily routine'. During the week my focus is on school and talking myself into going to the gym. Trust me, it's a task. I also have such a good time listening to US news podcasts; reading current events; and poetry. I didn't realize how much I would crave reading English. My Mom sent me magazines last week and I'm having the best time going through them and reading them page by page. I would have never done that in the US. I would have picked up a magazine and only mindlessly flipped through it. But now, I can't get enough. I find myself not only asking the question "Why?" more often, but also going out of my way to find the answer. I look words up in the dictionary now. I'm painfully aware of how poor my spelling and vocabulary are, and am trying to improve them. I have a better understanding of the meaning behind many American holidays and the way in which our government works. As glad as I am to have learned all of this, I'm frustrated in myself for having to learn it this late in my life. I know I'm not supposed to have regrets, but I should have asked questions and engaged in discussions of American history, politics, and government. I also should have challenged myself to not only memorize then information in grade school, but actually learn and understand it. So I'm making up for it now --- better late than never.

Since my weeks stay busy, my weekends are for relaxing and Japanese Conversation Lessons. I read my first Japanese word the other day and could not have been more excited. Learning the characters is a      s   l    o      w  process. I don't study nearly as much as I should. However, I'm getting there. 

Japanese Conversation Table

Now that I've been in Japan for 193 days ... about 6 months, my reasons for keeping this blog are changing. I'm still using it as a journal, I'm just needing to adjust my approach. At the moment I'm not sure what I want to do, but I'll have to decide soon. I just know that I will be changing the way I update. "Weekly Updates & Weekend Recaps" are starting to become too monotonous --- school/work, gym, language lessons.  

So for now I'll leave you with this ...

"I'm turning 24 in in 12 days and finally feel my age. I'm so happy."

Orio Train Station

Merry Christmas! 

This is has been my first holiday season away from my family and friends. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't homesick and didn't miss them, because I really do. But, I'm so thankful for the people I've met, the friends I've made, and the people I work with. Spending the holidays abroad is tough, but Japan's hospitality has made it so much easier.  

Xoxo,

M